It’s been over three years since Quinn Stevenson, 17, was killed by a drunk driver.
“He’s one of those kids that instead of having one best friend, he has 20 best friends. He had a good sense of humor and loves sports. He played all kinds of sports and had a bunch of different friends with sports,” said Quinn’s father, Craig Stevenson, at ACT Arena on Saturday.
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The teenager played for the Saskatoon Red Wings and after his death, the hockey club and his family started a memorial hockey day.
“This is the fourth year we’ve been doing it. It’s really a day of community, getting together and having fun,” said Quinn’s mother, Bonny Stevenson.
“I think for us it’s just such a great way to heal a little bit because we’re doing something in his name. Keeping his memory alive and doing something he would have really enjoyed,” she added.
This year’s event is also a fundraiser to ‘pay it forward’ to the community.
“Our big fundraiser this year is called ‘Pass the puck, fill the truck.’ People from our zone have gear that their kids have out grown and don’t use. It’ll all be donated to the Kinsmen inner city hockey league,” explained Troy Carbno, Saskatoon Red Wing treasurer.
“At the end of the day, when we see the profits from the 50/50 and the bake sale, Craig and I will donate it to the Kinsmen hockey league to purchase hockey sticks,” Bonny said.
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The day also reminds people of the dangers of drinking and driving. According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), last year 53 people were killed by impaired drivers in the province.
“I hope that everyone starts to think about getting behind the wheel when they’ve been drinking, it’s just a no. If you’ve been drinking don’t drive,” Bonny said.